U.S. patent application number 15/996122 was filed with the patent office on 2019-01-10 for debris collector for roof gutter systems.
The applicant listed for this patent is Michael Mongelluzzo. Invention is credited to Michael Mongelluzzo.
Application Number | 20190010705 15/996122 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 64904087 |
Filed Date | 2019-01-10 |
View All Diagrams
United States Patent
Application |
20190010705 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mongelluzzo; Michael |
January 10, 2019 |
DEBRIS COLLECTOR FOR ROOF GUTTER SYSTEMS
Abstract
An apparatus for catching debris that includes a collection
assembly, the collection assembly including a screen section and a
grab rail, the collection assembly capable of moving between a
first position and a second position; and a mounting assembly, the
mounting assembly including a hinge, the hinge pivotally connecting
the mounting assembly to the collection assembly, wherein, when the
grab rail is actuated, the collection assembly is moved between the
first position and the second position.
Inventors: |
Mongelluzzo; Michael; (East
Quogue, NY) |
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Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mongelluzzo; Michael |
East Quogue |
NY |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
64904087 |
Appl. No.: |
15/996122 |
Filed: |
June 1, 2018 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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15837962 |
Dec 11, 2017 |
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15996122 |
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62529908 |
Jul 7, 2017 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E04D 13/0765 20130101;
F21Y 2115/10 20160801; F21V 33/006 20130101; F21Y 2103/10 20160801;
E04D 13/076 20130101 |
International
Class: |
E04D 13/076 20060101
E04D013/076 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for catching debris comprising: a collection
assembly, the collection assembly including a screen section and a
grab rail, the collection assembly capable of moving between a
first position and a second position; and a mounting assembly, the
mounting assembly including a hinge, the hinge pivotally connecting
the mounting assembly to the collection assembly, wherein, when the
grab rail is actuated, the collection assembly is moved between the
first position and the second position.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the mounting assembly is
fixedly attached to a gutter.
3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the hinge includes a tee
section and a hinge section.
4. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the hinge section is made from
a flexible material.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the tee section and the
mounting assembly are formed from a solid material.
6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the tee section, the hinge
section and the mounting assembly are formed as a single unit
during a co-extrusion process.
7. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the collection assembly
includes a tee receiver guide for slidably receiving the hinge.
8. The apparatus of claim 7 wherein the tee receiver guide includes
fingers The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the collection assembly
includes reinforcing strips.
10. The apparatus of claim 9 wherein the reinforcing strips include
indents providing spacing for screw position ribs.
11. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the screen section is laid out
in a grid pattern.
12. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the grab rail includes a
catch.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of co-pending
U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/837,962, filed Dec. 11, 2017,
now pending, and claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent
application Ser. No. 62/529,908, filed on Jul. 7, 2017, now
pending, which patent applications are incorporated here by
reference in their entirety to provide continuity of
disclosure.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In a downpour, a clogged roof gutter can send a cascade of
water down the side of a house, making canyons of flowerbeds and
saturating a home's foundation. Clean gutters protect your siding
and landscape plantings and prevent thousands of dollars of damage
to a home's foundation. Therefore, it is in a homeowner's best
interest to clean gutters of leaves and debris to help prevent
damage and to head off expensive water damage repairs to a
home.
[0003] Gutters should be cleaned at least once a year--twice a year
if you have overhanging trees and more often if big storms are
regular occurrence in the area of the home. The typical way to
clean gutters is time-consuming and potentially dangerous as it
entails donning proper cloths and gloves, climbing a ladder with a
small plastic scoop in hand and clearing and removing leaves and
debris. Afterwards, the gutters and downspouts should be flushed
with a garden hose. If climbing ladders is not a task a homeowner
can handle, a professional can be hired to do the job at a large
expense.
[0004] A homeowner can slow dogging by installing gutter covers in
the form of mesh screens, clip-on grates, or porous foam. However,
these gutter covers also need maintenance, which is also
time-consuming and potentially dangerous, at regular intervals to
keep them clear.
SUMMARY
[0005] The disclosed technology is a debris collector for roof
gutters that allows debris to collect and, using a poling tool and
a hose from a ground level, the debris collector can be inverted,
emptied and cleaned. This saves time, money and avoids the use of a
ladder.
[0006] In one implementation, an apparatus for catching debris can
comprise: a collection assembly, the collection assembly including
a screen section and a grab rail, the collection assembly capable
of moving between a first position and a second position; and a
mounting assembly, the mounting assembly including a hinge, the
hinge pivotally connecting the mounting assembly to the collection
assembly, wherein, when the grab rail is actuated, the collection
assembly is moved between the first position and the second
position. In some implementations, the mounting assembly can be
fixedly attached to a gutter.
[0007] In some implementations, the hinge can include a tee section
and a hinge section. hi some implementations, the hinge section can
be made from a flexible material. In some implementations, the tee
section and the mounting assembly can be formed from a solid
material. In some implementations, the tee section, the hinge
section and the mounting assembly are formed as a single unit
during a co-extrusion process.
[0008] In some implementations, the collection assembly can include
a tee receiver guide for slidably receiving the hinge. In some
implementations, the tee receiver guide can include fingers.
[0009] In some implementations, the collection assembly can include
reinforcing strips. In some implementations, the reinforcing strips
can include indents providing spacing for screw position ribs. In
some implementations, the screen section can be laid out in a grid
pattern. In some implementations, the grab rail can include a
catch.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a debris collector of
the disclosed technology;
[0011] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a debris collector of
the disclosed technology;
[0012] FIG. 3 is a side view of a debris collector of the disclosed
technology;
[0013] FIG. 4 is a front view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology;
[0014] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology secured within a roof gutter in a first
position;
[0015] FIG. 6 is a side view of a debris collector of the disclosed
technology secured within a roof gutter in a first position;
[0016] FIG. 7 is a side view of a debris collector of the disclosed
technology secured within a roof gutter in a second position;
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology secured within a roof gutter in a second
position;
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology secured within a roof gutter in a second
position;
[0019] FIG. 10 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology secured within a roof gutter in a second
position;
[0020] FIG. 11 is a top perspective view of a debris collector of
the disclosed technology;
[0021] FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology in a first position;
[0022] FIG. 13 is a top view of a debris collector of the disclosed
technology in a first position;
[0023] FIG. 14 is a perspective cross-sectional view of a debris
collector of the disclosed technology in a first position;
[0024] FIG. 15 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology in a second position;
[0025] FIG. 16 is a front view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology in a second position;
[0026] FIG. 17 is a cross-sectional view of a debris collector of
the disclosed technology in a second position;
[0027] FIG. 18 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology with an unattached decorative cover;
[0028] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology with an attached decorative cover;
[0029] FIG. 20 is a cross-sectional view of a debris collector of
the disclosed technology with an attached decorative cover;
[0030] FIG. 21 is a perspective view of an extrusion assembly of
the disclosed technology;
[0031] FIG. 22 is an exploded view of an extrusion assembly of the
disclosed technology;
[0032] FIG. 23 is a side, cross-sectional view of an extrusion
assembly of the disclosed technology;
[0033] FIG. 24 is a perspective, cross-sectional view of an
extrusion assembly of the disclosed technology;
[0034] FIG. 25 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology with an attached decorative cover having a
lighting system;
[0035] FIG. 26 is a cross-sectional view of a debris collector of
the disclosed technology with an attached decorative cover having a
lighting system;
[0036] FIG. 27 is a perspective view of a gutter system of the
disclosed technology having a lighting system;
[0037] FIG. 28 is a cross-sectional view of a gutter system of the
disclosed technology having a lighting system;
[0038] FIG. 29 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology along with a poling tool of the disclosed
technology;
[0039] FIG. 30 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology along with a poling tool of the disclosed
technology;
[0040] FIG. 31 is a perspective view of a poling tool of the
disclosed technology having a cleaning head;
[0041] FIG. 32 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology along with a poling tool with a cleaning head
of the disclosed technology;
[0042] FIG. 33 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology along with a poling tool with a cleaning head
of the disclosed technology;
[0043] FIG. 34 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology along with a magnetic poling tool of the
disclosed technology;
[0044] FIG. 35 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology along with a magnetic poling tool of the
disclosed technology;
[0045] FIG. 36 is a perspective view of a debris collector of the
disclosed technology in a first position;
[0046] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the debris collector
shown in FIG. 36 in a first position;
[0047] FIG. 38 is an exploded view of the cross-sectional view
shown in FIG. 37;
[0048] FIG. 39 is a cross-sectional view of the debris collector
shown in FIG. 36 in a second position;
[0049] FIG. 40 is an exploded view of the cross-sectional view
shown in FIG. 39;
[0050] FIG. 41 is an exploded view of a rear side of a collection
assembly of the debris collector shown in FIG. 36;
[0051] FIG. 42 is an exploded view of a rear side of a collection
assembly and a mounting assembly of the debris collector shown in
FIG. 36;
[0052] FIG. 43 is a perspective view of the debris collector shown
in FIG. 36 in a second position;
[0053] FIG. 44 is a cross-sectional view of a collection assembly
and a mounting assembly shown in FIG. 36 in a disassembled
state;
[0054] FIG. 45 is a perspective view a mounting assembly of the
debris collector shown in FIG. 36;
[0055] FIG. 46 is an exploded view of the mounting assembly shown
in FIG. 45;
[0056] FIG. 47 is a side view of the mounting assembly shown in
FIG. 45 in a first position;
[0057] FIG. 48 is a side view of the mounting assembly shown in
FIG. 45 in a first position;
[0058] FIG. 49 is a perspective view of the debris collector of
FIG. 36 in a second position with a poling tool;
[0059] FIG. 50 is an exploded view of the debris collector and the
poling tool shown in FIG. 49;
[0060] FIG. 51 is a cross-sectional view of a debris collector in a
first position with a poling tool;
[0061] FIG. 52 is a cross-sectional view of the debris collector
shown in FIG. 51 in a second position poling tool; and
[0062] FIG. 53 is an exploded view of the debris collector and the
poling tool shown in FIG. 52.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0063] The disclosed technology relates to a debris collector for a
roof gutter system. Specifically, the debris collector is designed
so that debris that normally collects in a gutter system can be
trapped within the debris collector. Once debris has collected, the
debris collector can be moved from a first position to a second
position for removal of the debris from the debris collector, as
will be described more fully below.
[0064] As shown in FIGS. 1-4, the debris collector 10 can include a
clip assembly 12 and a basket section 16. The clip assembly 12 and
the basket section 16 can be movably connected to each other with a
hinge 22. The hinge 22 allows the debris collector 10 to move from
a first position to a second position, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7.
The first position allows debris to collect within the debris
collector 10 and the second position allows the removal of the
debris from the debris collector 10.
[0065] The basket section 16 of the debris collector 10 can include
strainer openings 20 that allow water to flow through the debris
collector 10 but retain any debris that collects within the basket
section 16. The basket section 16 of the debris collector 10 can
also include risers 18. The risers 18 allow the basket section 16
to sit slightly above the bottom 106 of a roof gutter system 100 as
shown in FIG. 6. The height of the riser 18 can be chosen so that
rain water can freely flow though the strainer openings 20 of the
basket section 16 while allowing the rain water to freely now
through the roof gutter system 100.
[0066] The basket section 16 of the debris collector 10 can also
include a right extension 24, a left extension 26 and a rear
extension 17. The right extension 24 and the left extension 26 can
be used for placement of the several debris collectors adjacent to
one another within a gutter system, as shown in FIG. 5. The right
extension 24 and the left extension 26 can also be sloped so that
rain water can be directed into the basket section 16. The rear
extension 17 can be used for placement of the debris collector 10
in close proximity to a rear side 104 of the roof gutter system
100.
[0067] As shown, in FIG. 11, the right extension 24, the left
extension 26 and the rear extension 17 can include score lines 30,
32, 34 for customizing and sizing the right extension 24, the left
extension 26 and the rear extension 17 to fit within existing
gutter systems.
[0068] The debris collector 10 can also include a lever 14. The
lever 4 can be positioned midpoint on the debris collector 10, but
other configurations are contemplated. The lever 14, when actuated,
allows the debris collector to be moved from the first position to
a second position. The lever 14 can include an opening 14a for
receiving a tool (not shown) which can allow a user to rotate the
debris collector 10 from the first position to a second position
via the hinge 22. In some implementations, the lever 14 can also
include a strengthening rib 14b for adding strength to the lever
14.
[0069] As shown in FIG. 2, the clip assembly 12 can include front
lip 12a, a top lip 12b, a rear lip 12c and hooking tabs 12d. The
clip assembly 12 can securely retain the debris collector 10 to the
roof gutter system 100. That is, as shown in FIG. 6, the clip
assembly 12 can be snap-fitted to a gutter flange 102, but other
attachment mechanisms are contemplated. In this configuration, the
gutter flange 102 eats be firmly seated within the clip assembly
12. This configuration also allows the debris collector 10 to be
removable from the gutter system 100.
[0070] As shown in FIGS. 8-10, the debris collector 10 can be
rotated out of the roof gutter system 100 for removing the debris
from the debris collector. In some implementations, a user can
place a hooked or magnetic tip of a poling tool (shown in FIGS.
29-36) into the opening 14a of the lever 14. Once inserted or
magnetically collected, the user can apply downward pressure to the
poling tool so that the lever 14 is moved downwards which in turn
causes the basket section 16 to be rotated out of the gutter system
100. Once the debris collector 10 is placed in an inverted second
position most if not all of the debris will fall out of the gutter
and down to the ground. If some debris remains within the debris
collector 10, a stream of a garden hose can be directed into the
basket section 16 for clearing any remaining debris. After the
basket section 16 is cleaned out, the user can push the lever in an
upwards direction with the poling tool. This motion causes the
basket section 16 to rotate and allows the basket section 16 to
return to its seated position within the gutter system 100.
[0071] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 12-17, a debris
collector 110 can include a collection assembly 111 and a mounting
assembly 113. The collection assembly 111 and the mounting assembly
113 can be movably connected to each other with a hinge 120. The
hinge 120 allows the debris collector 110 to move from a first
position, shown in FIGS. 12-14, to a second position, shown in
FIGS. 15-17. The first position allows debris to collect within the
collection assembly 111 and the second position allows for removal
of the debris from collection assembly 111.
[0072] The hinge 120 can be constructed from a flexible material
and can be fixedly connected to the mounting assembly 113 or can be
integrally formed with the mounting assembly 113 at one end. The
hinge 120 can also include securing tab 136 at the other end, The
securing tab 136 is capable of receiving a front edge 144b of the
collection assembly 111. The front edge 144b can be seated and
secured within the securing tab 136. in some implementations, the
front edge 144b can have a downward slant.
[0073] The collection assembly 111 of the debris collector 110 can
also include screen 124, e.g. a substantially flat and
rectangular-shaped screen, that allows water to flow onto and
through the screen 124 of the debris collector 110 but retains any
debris that collects on a top surface of the screen 124, The screen
124 of the debris collector 110 can include a back edge 144a that
rests on a roof shingle 114 as shown in FIG. 12. The back edge 144a
is capable of allowing water to flow from a roof surface over the
screen 124.
[0074] The debris collector 110 can also include a lever 117. The
lever 117 can be positioned midpoint on the debris collector 110,
but other configurations are contemplated, The lever 117, when
actuated, allows the debris collector 110 to be moved from the
first position to a second position. The lever 117 can include a
pull tab 118 for receiving a tool (not shown) which can allow a
user to rotate the debris collector 110 from the first position to
a second position via the hinge 120. In some implementations, the
lever 117 can be attached to the screen 124 by holders 134a,
134b.
[0075] The mounting assembly 113 can include an extrusion section
116 and an attachment ledge 140. The mounting assembly 113 can
securely retain the debris collector 110 to the roof gutter system
112. That is, as shown in FIG. 7, the attachment ledge 140 can be
fixedly attached roof gutter system 112, e.g., the attachment ledge
140 can be fixedly attached a gutter flange of the roof gutter
system 112 with screws 138, but other attachment mechanisms are
contemplated.
[0076] In some implementations, the extrusion section 116 can
include a solar panel 122, an LED lighting strip 126, a drip edge
130, a light shield 132, strip guides 125 and hooking rail 129.
[0077] The solar panel 122 can be attached to a top surface of the
extrusion section 116 with, e.g. an adhesive or clips, and the LED
lighting strip 126 can be attached to an underside of the top
surface of the extrusion section 116, e.g. with strip guides 125,
but other attachment mechanisms are contemplated. The solar panel
and the LED lighting strip 126 can be electrically connected to one
another so that the solar panel can power the LEDs 127 of the LED
lighting strip 126.
[0078] Extending from top surface of the extrusion section 116 can
be drip edge 130 that allows water to be directed away from the
extrusion section 116 while the light shield 132 allows light to be
directed downwards from the LED lighting strip 126. The hooking
rail 129 can be located on a rear side of the extrusion section
116. The hooking rail 129 can be used to secure lighting hooks 128,
as shown in FIGS. 14 and 23-24 or a decorative cover 142 as shown
in FIGS. 19-20. The decorative cover 142 can be curved so as to
cover a front and bottom of the roof gutter system 112. The
decorative cover 142 can include flange 143 which attaches to the
hooking rail 129 as shown in FIGS. 19-20. In some implementations,
the decorative cover 142 can be copper, faux wood or any other
decorative design.
[0079] As shown in FIGS. 12-17, the debris collector 110 can be
rotated out of the roof gutter system 112 for removing the debris
from the debris collector. In some implementations, a user can
place a hooked or magnetic tip of a poling tool (shown in FIGS.
29-36) into the pull tab 118 of the lever 117. Once inserted, the
user can apply downward pressure to the poling tool so that the
lever 117 is moved downwards which in turn causes the collection
assembly 111 to be rotated out of the gutter system 112. Once the
debris collector 110 is placed in an inserted second position most
if not all of the debris will fall out of the gutter and down to
the ground. If some debris remains within the debris collector 110,
a stream of a garden hose can be directed at the collection
assembly 111 for clearing any remaining debris. After the
collection assembly 111 is cleaned out, the user can push the lever
117 in an upwards direction with the poling tool. This motion
causes the collection assembly 111 to rotate and allows the
collection assembly 111 to return to its seated position covering
the gutter system 112.
[0080] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 21-24, an
extrusion section 216 can be installed as a standalone device for
adding to the aesthetics of a gutter system The extrusion section
216 can include a solar panel 222, an LED lighting strip 226, a
drip edge 230, light shield 232, strip guides 225, hooking rail
229, attachment ledge 238, screws 240 and clips 228.
[0081] The solar panel 222 can be attached to a top surface of the
extrusion section 216 and the LED lighting strip 226 can be
attached to an underside of the top surface of the extrusion
section 216 via strip guides 225. The solar panel 222 and the LED
lighting strip 226 can be electrically connected to one another so
that the solar panel 222 can power the LEDs 227 of the LED lighting
strip 226. In some implementations, the LED lighting strip 226 can
be electrically connected to a 110V power converter.
[0082] Extending from top surface of the extrusion section 216 can
be drip edge 230 that allows water to be directed away from the
extrusion section 216 while the light shield 232 allows light to be
directed downwards from the LED lighting strip 226. On a rear side
of the extrusion section 216, a hooking rail 229 can be used, to
secure hooks for hanging string lights 228, as shown in FIGS.
23.
[0083] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 25 and 26, a
decorative cover 300 can include lighting system 301, e.g., a LED
guide 302 that attaches a LED lighting strip 304, however, other
attachment mechanisms are contemplated. The LED guide 302 and the
LED lighting strip 304 can be positioned on a bottom of the
decorative cover 300 for distributing light. The LED lighting strip
304 can be powered by a solar panel, as described above, or by a
D.C. power converter (not shown) supplied from a 110V power source.
In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 27 and 28, a gutter
system 310 can include a lighting system, 311, e.g., a LED guide
312 that attaches an LED lighting strip 314. The LED guide 312 can
be incorporated in the gutter system at time of manufacture or can
be adhered to the gutter system 310 after installation through the
use of an adhesive or some other attachment mechanism.
[0084] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 29-30, a poling
tool 320 can used to rotate a debris collector 322 from a gutter
system 324. In use, a tip 321 of the poling tool 320 can be
inserted into a pull tab 323 of the debris collector 322. Once
inserted, a user can apply downward pressure to the poling tool 320
so that debris collector 322 is rotated out of the gutter system
324 into an inverted, cleaning position. Once the debris collector
322 is placed in the inverted position most if not all of the
debris will fall away from the debris collector 322 and down to the
ground. If some debris remains within the debris collector 322, a
stream of a garden hose can be directed at the debris collector 322
for clearing any remaining debris. After the debris collector 322
is cleaned out, the user can push the poling tool 320 in an up aids
direction causing the debris collector 322 to rotate back to a
seated position.
[0085] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 31-33, a poling
tool 330 is used to rotate a debris collector 342 from a gutter
system 340. In use, a tip 332 of the poling tool 330 can be
inserted a pull tab 344 of the debris collector 342. Once inserted,
a user can apply downward pressure to the poling tool 330 so that
debris collector 342 is rotated out of the gutter system 324 into
an inverted, cleaning position. Once the debris collector 342 is
placed in the inverted position most if not all of the debris will
fall away from the debris collector 322 and down to the ground. In
some implementations, the poling tool 130 can also include a hollow
rod 331, a cleaning head 334 with nozzles 336 and a garden hose
attachment 338. A garden hose (not shown) can be attached to the
garden hose attachment 338. if some debris remains on the debris
collector 342, a water stream from a garden hose can be directed up
the hollow rod 331 to the cleaning head 334 and out of the nozzles
336. The water stream can be directed at a face of the debris
collector 342 for clearing any remaining debris. After the debris
collector 342 is rinsed, the user can push the poling tool 330 in
an upwards direction causing the debris collector 342 to rotate to
its seated position covering the gutter system 340. In some
implementations, the poling tool 330 can include a valve for
controlling the on/off and the pressure of the water stream.
[0086] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 34-35, a poling
tool 350 can be used to rotate a debris collector 358 out of a
gutter system 356. In use, a magnetic tip 352 of the poling tool
350 can be magnetically attracted to a magnetic pull tab 354 of the
debris collector 358. Once magnetically secured to one another, a
user can apply downward pressure to the poling tool 350 so that
debris collector 358 is rotated out of the gutter system 356 into
an inverted, cleaning position. Once the debris collector 358 is
placed in the inverted position most if not all of the debris will
fall away from the debris collector 358 and down to the ground. If
some debris remains within the debris collector 358, a stream of a
garden hose can be directed the debris collector 358 for clearing
any remaining debris. After the debris collector 358 is cleaned
out, the user can push the poling tool 350 in an upwards direction
causing the debris collector 358 to rotate to its seated position.
The user can then laterally slide the poling tool to the left or
right so that the magnetic attraction between the magnetic tip 352
and the magnetic pull tab 354 can be removed.
[0087] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 36-48, a debris
collector 402 installed on a gutter 404 can include a collection
assembly 411 and a mounting assembly 413. The collection assembly
411 and the mounting assembly 413 can be movably connected to each
other with a hinge 420. The hinge 420 allows the debris collector
402 to move from a first position, shown in FIGS. 36-38, to a
second position, shown in FIGS. 39-40 and 43 The first position
allows debris to collect on a surface of the collection assembly
411 and the second position allows for removal of the debris from
the collection assembly 411.
[0088] In some implementations, the collection assembly 411 can be
a single unit formed from an injection molding process using
polymers, thermoplastics, thermosets, elastomers and combinations
thereof, e.g., including but not limited to, polyester,
polyphenylene, polypropylene, polystyrene and polyvinyl. In other
implementations, the collection assemblies can be made from
malleable metallic materials and/or other plastic compositions and
components.
[0089] The collection assembly 411 of the debris collector 402 can
include a screen. section 424, a reinforcement structure 427, a
front section 426 and a back edge 425.
[0090] In some implementations, the screen section 424 can be laid
out in a grid pattern with a top surface of the screen section 424
being substantially flat and rectangular but other configurations
are contemplated. The grid pattern of the screen section 424 allows
water to flow onto and through the screen section 424 of the debris
collector 402 but retains any debris that collects on a top surface
of the screen section 424.
[0091] The back edge 425 of the debris collector 402 is capable of
resting on or in close proximity to a roof 406, as shown in FIG.
37. In use, the back edge 425 allows water and debris to flow from
a roof surface over the screen section 424.
[0092] The front section 426 of the debris collector 402 can
include a grab rail 428. The grab rail 428 can be positioned along
the front section 426 of the collection assembly 411, but other
configurations are contemplated. The grab rail 428, when actuated
by a poling tool 500, as shown in FIGS. 49-53, acts as a lever and
allows the debris collector 402 to be moved from the first position
to the second position and vice versa. In use, a user can rotate
the debris collector 402 from the first position to a second
position via the hinge 420.
[0093] The front section 426 of the debris collector 402 can also
include a tee receiver guide 429 for receiving the hinge 420. That
is, the tee receiver guide 429 can comprise fingers 429a, 429b for
slidably receiving a tee section 422 of the hinge 420, shown in
FIG. 42 and described more fully below.
[0094] The reinforcement structure 427 of the debris collector 402
can include reinforcement strips 427a-d, as shown in FIGS. 40-41.
The reinforcement strips 427a-d provide support for the screen
section 424 as the screen section 424 is capable of receiving large
and/or heavy amounts of debris from the roof The reinforcement
strips 427a-d can also include indents 431 for providing spacing
for screw location ribs 436, described below.
[0095] The mounting assembly 413 of the debris collector 402 can
include a gutter mounting section 430 and a hinge mounting section
432. The gutter mounting section 430 can be an L-shaped mount for
attaching to a gutter rail of roof gutter 405. The gutter mounting
section 430 can securely retain the debris collector 402 to the
roof gutter system 405. e.g., with screws positioned in screw
location ribs 436, but other attachment mechanisms are
contemplated, e.g., snap-on components. The hinge mounting section
432 can project from the gutter mounting section. 430 at one end
and can be fixedly attached to the hinge 420 at the other end.
[0096] The hinge 420 can include a hinge section 421 and a tee
section 422. The hinge section 421 can be constructed from a
flexible material, e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer/rubber while the
tee section 422 can be constructed from a solid material e.g.
polymers, thermoplastics, thermosets and/or elastomers.
[0097] In some implementations, the gutter mounting section 430,
the hinge mounting section 432, the hinge section 421 and the tee
section 422 can be integrally connected to one another through a
co-extrusion process. For example, the gutter mounting section 430,
the hinge mounting section 432, and the tee section 422 can be
constructed from a solid material e.g., polymers, thermoplastics,
thermosets, elastomers while the hinge section 421 can be
constructed from a flexible material, e.g., a thermoplastic
elastomer/rubber. Other manufacturing processes are
contemplated.
[0098] To assemble the debris collector 402, the tee section 422 of
the hinge 420 can be slidably received by the tee receiver guide
429. Once in place, the debris collector 402 can be screwably
mounted to the gutter 404. In some implementations, the collection
assembly 411 can be removed and replaced as needed.
[0099] In some implementations, as shown in FIGS. 49-53, a poling
tool 500 can be used to rotate a debris collector 402 from the
gutter 404. The poling tool can include a handle 502, a hook 506
and a connector 504. In use, the hook 506 is positioned to inside
portion of the grab rail 428. A user then can pull down on the
poling tool 500 thereby moving the debris collector 402 from a
first position to a second position. In some implementations, as
shown it FIGS. 51-53, the grab rail 428 can include a catch 450 for
establishing a grab point for the poling tool 500.
[0100] While presently preferred embodiments have been described
for purposes of the disclosure, numerous changes in the arrangement
can be made by those skilled in the art. Such changes are
encompassed within the spirit of the invention as defined by the
appended claims.
[0101] The foregoing Detailed Description is to be understood as
being in every respect illustrative and exemplary, but not
restrictive, and the scope of the disclosed technology disclosed
herein is not to be determined from the Detailed Description, but
rather from the claims as interpreted according to the full breadth
permitted by the patent laws. It is to be understood that the
embodiments shown and described herein are only illustrative of the
principles of the disclosed technology and that various
modifications may be implemented by those skilled in the art
without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed
technology. Those skilled in the art could implement various other
feature combinations without departing from the scope and spirit of
the disclosed technology. Although the embodiments of the present
disclosure have been described with specific examples, it is to be
understood that the disclosure is not limited to those specific
examples and that various other changes, combinations and
modifications will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art
Without departing from the scope and spirit of the disclosed
technology which is to be determined with reference to the
following claims.
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